Not Nazem Kadri to Auston Matthews' Maple Leafs: Flames reportedly obliged to accelerate NHL blockbuster trade for star on roster

As soon as the Calgary Flames’ name starts swirling in trade rumors, fans in Ontario can’t help but wonder if it finally means Nazem Kadri is returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This time, however, reports suggest that the next blockbuster move coming out of Calgary won’t involve Auston Matthews welcoming back a former teammate.

The NHL is officially entering its dog days. After a long season, teams are winding down to enjoy the final days of summer. After all, before they even realize it, the puck will be dropping once again. For some franchises, now’s the time to soak up the sunshine—because come September and October, they’ll be missing it dearly.

The Maple Leafs, however, can’t help but feel bittersweet about their offseason. It was intense and nerve-testing, no doubt. Now, Matthews and the rest of the team are welcoming many unfamiliar faces into the locker room—and perhaps one old friend’s return is exactly what they’re missing. That task, however, is easier said than done.

The Flames have made it crystal clear: Kadri isn’t for sale. If Toronto truly wants him, they’ll need to come up with a compelling offer. If not, Calgary won’t mind keeping their 30-goal scorer around. On the bright side, there might be another star the Flames are willing to deal—none other than Rasmus Andersson.

Rasmus Andersson #4 of the Calgary Flames walks into the Scotiabank Saddledome before a game against the Vancouver Canucks on March 12, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada,

“In a market that is extremely thin at defense, they could command quite the asset package in any deal for Andersson. The Flames aren’t at that stage right now, but moving Andersson would do great things for the team in the long run,” The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau stated. “So few will be shocked if Andersson is moved sooner rather than later. He’s in his prime years at 28, and the Flames aren’t.“

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Not alone

While the Maple Leafs have been the most vocal about their interest in Kadri, the talented winger is being quietly tracked by several other NHL franchises. They’re lurking from a distance—but make no mistake: if Calgary shows even the slightest willingness to move him, those teams will come rushing out of the shadows.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are not the only two teams interested in Nazem Kadri,” reporter Jim Parsons admitted. “The forward is also drawing interest from the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche.”

Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a faceoff against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

How much cap space does Toronto and Calgary have?

As things stand, GM Brad Treliving and the Leafs would have their hands full working out a trade for Kadri. Toronto currently has approximately $2.9 million available in cap space. Kadri alone would take up $7 million out of the organization’s salary cap. Where there’s a will, there’s a way—or so they say. In this case, we’ll have to take the Maple Leafs at their word if they somehow manage to acquire the 34-year-old veteran.

As for the Flames, they currently hold the fifth-highest available cap space in the NHL. With over $15.4 million to spend, Calgary could make a big splash if it wanted to. But with a thin free agency market, saving up seems like the far more reasonable option in Stampede City.